Hotel Location

The Butchart Gardens is one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent landscape in 1904. She established, in the style of the grand estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. An abandoned limestone quarry was transformed into the dramatic Sunken Garden, a reflection of the early 20th-century beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, The Gardens has retained much of its original design, and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays.

The Abkhazi Garden is an exquisite heritage home and garden located in Victoria, British Columbia, a city known for its wonderful gardens. Prince and Princess Abkhazi began creating their garden in 1946. This was the year they married and settled in Victoria, after living separate lives touched by both privilege and tragedy. They immediately began to develop their one-acre property, and continued to maintain and improve the garden throughout their lives together.

The garden contains over 4,000 different trees and shrubs with more than 1,500 rhododendron and azalea plants, including 200 collected rhododendron species, and a spectacular range of companion plants artistically displayed on a 2.6 hectare (6.5 acre) site at the southwest corner of UVic’s campus.

Situated on almost 500 acres of the former Dunsmuir estate with stunning ocean views and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains of Washington State. Created at the turn of the 19th century by over 100 gardeners working full time for 10 years, these three formal gardens are open to the public daily. Once a military college, this stunning seaside estate property is now Royal Roads University. Castle tours available!

Joan’s Victorian Garden Tours will introduce you to heritage gardens, ranging from larger Edwardian estates with their original plantings and structures to intimate heritage homes and gardens, including private gardens. One such tour, the Emily Carr Garden Tour, includes an introduction to Emily Carr’s art, and explores the historic community in which she grew up as well as the landscape which inspired her paintings. A visit to an old growth forest is included in this unique tour. Stops are made along the way to observe and share local and historic sites, with some relating to Victoria's rich First Nations peoples. Visitors who have enjoyed our tours have ranged from non-gardeners to those who are novice home gardeners to those who are leading horticulturists. Enjoy a few hours or the entire day seeing the best heritage gardens Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island has to offer. Email or call us to arrange a tour with Joan.

Glendale Gardens and The Horticultural Centre of the Pacific 505 Quayle Road 250 479 6162 Demonstration and education garden with excellent displays of heathers, rhododendrons, perennials and much more. An enchanting Japanese garden in a magical, wooded hillside. Many plant varieties from trees and shrubs to perennials and bulbs. Lovely woodland setting. Birding opportunities.

Situated on almost 500 acres of the former Dunsmuir estate with stunning ocean views and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains of Washington State. Created at the turn of the 19th century by over 100 gardeners working full time for 10 years, these three formal gardens are open to the public daily. Once a military college, this stunning seaside estate property is now Royal Roads University. Castle tours available!

The official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, the Queen's representative in British Columbia. Substantial gardens in a lovely setting. Gardens are established and maintained in large part by volunteers. Large cutting garden. Perennial beds. Rose garden. This is a wonderful choice of location for wedding photos.

Home of Robin Hopper & Judy Dyelle 4283 Metchosin Road Eclectic and fun-lovingly creative. This 5 acre garden holds many surprises. Watch for Robin's Gladiator Tunnel and salmon stream! Interesting collections, varying themes.

A secret treasure many Victorians are not even aware of. May and June sparkle with the radiance of hundreds of rhododendrons in a one-acre maze of large to gargantuan rhodos. Fabulous perennial border garden maintained by city garden staff. Abundant variety, rich from June until October. Saxe Point Park Waterfront setting - pristine and dramatic. A great place on a sunny, warm afternoon, picnic in hand. Wonderful vistas across Juan de Fuca Strait towards Port Angeles and the Olympic Peninsula.

Beacon Hill Park One of Victoria's grand old ladies, and it's right across the street from Dashwood Manor! Endless variety and space. Don't miss the photo op at the stone bridge across from the pond. Look for some of these special features: world's tallest free standing totem pole, camas fields blooming in April / May, Childrens' Petting Zoo - for kids of all ages!, ponds, ducks, swans, amazing birding, including bald eagles and great blue heron, cricket pitch, putting green, vista's out to sea (this is 'Beacon Hill' afterall!), lawn bowling, tennis, playgrounds, rose gardens, bandshell with free concerts regularly, Luminera ... so much more!

Grant Leier and Nixie Barton have created a magical garden at their home and art studio in the Yellow Point area, just over one hour’s drive from Victoria. Tour this huge, 3/4 acre extensively planted garden filled with hanging lanterns and funky art, including Barton and Leier’s art, which is colourful and whimsical. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday from the middle of March through to December. Admission is free and guests should allow one hour to tour and enjoy the gallery. Address: 3140 DeCourcy. Telephone: 250-722-7140

Dave Mason’s History and Architecture Walk traces the development of Victoria from its time as a Hudson’s Bay trading post palisaded fort through the boom of the gold rush era and into the vibrant city it is today as the capital of British Columbia. Great characters revealed, fascinating recounted as you do this 1.5 hour walk through downtown Victoria. Dave offers our guests a discounted rate of $10 per person. For information on dates and times visit Dave’s website or ask us for details.

John Adams ‘Discover the Past’ series of tours cover the downtown core, Fairfield, Rockland and James Bay neighbourhoods, Ross Bay Cemetery, Chinatown. John is one of Victoria’s most prolific writers and most popular speaker on heritage and historical issues. John’s popular ‘Ghostly Walks’ take you past Victoria's most haunted places in the downtown area. These 90-minute walking tours include lots of fascinating history and stories about the ghosts and supernatural events that have made Victoria famous as the most haunted city on the West Coast. Tours are held throughout the year: every evening at 7:30 and 9:30 pm from mid-June to mid-September and on weekends during the rest of the year.

John Adams ‘Discover the Past’ series of tours cover the downtown core, Fairfield, Rockland and James Bay neighbourhoods, Ross Bay Cemetery, Chinatown. John is one of Victoria’s most prolific writers and most popular speaker on heritage and historical issues. Chinatown Walks explore Victoria's Chinatown, the oldest in Canada. Find out why the Chinese came and where they came from. See the tongs, temples, shops, alleys and courtyards that make up what is sometimes called "the Forbidden City." Find out where the opium dens and gambling halls were and enjoy the colourful shops and restaurants that now line Chinatown's streets. Tours take place every morning at 10:30 am from July 1 to September 5 and every Saturday at 10:30 am the rest of the year.

(July 3 to August 31) Explore Victoria’s unique built environment through various architectural perspectives: the Inner Harbour; the Site of Old Victoria; Old Town; Chinatown; Ecclesiastical Architecture; Victoria's Art Deco and Moderne. Tours run once a day Tuesdays through Saturdays inclusive. First tour Tuesday, July 3; last tour Friday, August 31). Tours cost $5 CDN per person Register on-site before each tour. All Victoria tours start in front of the Community Arts Council office in the Sussex Building Courtyard at 1001 Douglas Street. Tuesday to Saturday tours start at 1:00 pm. Tours will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, rain or shine. For information, contact AIBC by phone at 1-800-667-0753, ext. 333 toll-free in BC), or by email at tours@aibc.ca.

Victoria Bobby Walking Tours A leisurely tour of old town Victoria. Approximately 1 and 1/4 hours of information & fun. Hosted by a Victoria Bobby, former English Bobby, writer and story teller - a history lover with an attitude and sense of humour. Envision the Old Town when Victoria was Queen and gambling was King. Call 250 995 0233. Email tours@walkvictoria.com or ask at Tourism Victoria’s Visitor Centre.

A 1.25 hour walking tour of Victoria's historic past that is educational, intriguing and very entertaining. Hear about the people places and events that took Victoria from sleepy Hudson Bay trading past to a gold-rush Boomtown. Tours depart from the front of Tourism Victoria's Visitor Centre at 812 Wharf Street. Call 250 893-9255 for more details.

Experience Victoria's Chinese culture and history through dinner tours and 1 1/2 hour walking programs. Hidden Dragon Tours take you through Victoria’s historic Chinatown. This is Canada’s oldest and once largest Chinese community, and it still retains many ancient traditions, allowing one to experience a living museum. Head out for an evening lantern walk or explore Chinatown with Hidden Dragon’s day program. On tour you will have the opportunity to taste fine tea, learn about Chinese medicine, folklore, spirituality, symbolism, Kung Fu, arts and music. Phone for more information 250 920 0881 or Toll Free 866 920 0881.

Zambri’s opened in October 1999 at 911Yates Street, an unconventional location at the back of a strip mall between a drug store and a super market. In the early days it was a simple operation. Peter was the chef, Jo took care of the front of house and Calen, Jo’s husband was in charge of business development. The goal was to create a simple trattoria-like restaurant focused on serving a casual lunch. The incredibly well prepared food and efficient service created favourable word of mouth and over time the obscure little eatery gained highly acclaimed industry recognition such as GOLD Best Casual Italian Restaurant Vancouver Magazine, Victoria Chef Of the Year, EAT Magazine and The Urban Peasant James Barber called it the “nicest little Italian restaurant in BC. Probably in Canada. Terrific food.”

A short 10 minute scenic drive from downtown Victoria is Paprika Bistro. Owned & operated by local resident and long time Restaurateur Geoff Parker, it is located in the heart of Oak Bay and only blocks from Willows Beach. Paprika is a 60 seat boutique restaurant with a locally inspired European menu and an international wine list with a great presence of BC wines. The menu & daily features offer seasonal cuisine showcasing the best Vancouver Island has to offer. Paprika has a private room that holds up to 20 guests or book out the whole restaurant for larger groups, set menus are available please call 250-592-7424 for more information.

Cafe Brio is a trendy, lively Med-style place with fabulous food. Mediterranean food served with panache. A busy placeloved by locals. Personal and friendly service in a very pleasant atmosphere. A nice place for a relaxing and special meal. 944 Fort St. 383-0009

Camille's Restaurant is located in the heart of 'old town' in the revitalized Bastion Square. This restaurant is a unique combination of fine dining with a comfortable, casual atmosphere. The menu is diverse, with many specials including vegetarian food, fresh seafood, and wild game. Candlelight, soft blues and jazz and a talented staff supply the atmosphere. For those who love wine, the wine list is extensive . 45 Bastion Square, 381-3433

A classic French Bistro in Chinatown. Chef Sean G. Brennan uses regional, seasonal ingredients with a French country-style influence. Casual dining, with impeccable, but not stuffy service in a cozy space. 1715 Government Street 250 475 6260

Great seafood restaurant located in the Coast Harbourside Hotel along the Inner Harbour. Classy with spectacular harbour views. Declared by Frommers to be Victoria’s best seafood restaurant. http://www.bluecrab.ca 146 Kingston Street. 480-1999.

Pescatore’s Seafood Grill A second terrific seafood restaurant. 614 Humboldt Street. 385-4512. Located adjacent to the Empress Hotel in the downtown core by the Inner Harbour. Dynamic atmosphere.

Warm brick, yellow walls and classic French cuisine make this a popular Downtown restaurant, where patrons head for chef Philippe Renaudat's duck palette and shellfish-packed bouillabaisse in saffron and Pernod broth, followed by a crème brûlée. Splurge and indulge in the nine-course fixed price menu accompanied by choices from a cellar full of good French and California wines. 512 Yates Street 480-0883

Il Terrazzo Very successful Italian style cuisine restaurant in a 'restored' older building. Lots of brick, open ceilings and old wooden beams – quite dramatic. Although this is not one of the more expensive establishments in town, people go here for the dining experience rather than a quick meal. Owned by the same group who have Pescatore's. 555 Johnson by Wharf St. 361-0028

Marina Restaurant a quiet and scenic location at the water’s edge in one of Victoria’s most charming neighbourhoods, Oak Bay. Great seafood. Sushi bar.

Beagle Pub Located in the Cook Street Village. The Beagle is a neighbourhood sports bar, so the noise level can be fairly high at times, but the food is excellent. Reservations accepted but not usually necessary. 301 Cook Street. 382-3301

Pizzeria Prima Strada Five blocks away in the Cook Street Village. A new restaurant for the neighbourhood, this popular eatery features authentic Italian, thin crust pizzas lovingly baked in their wood-fired oven and topped with simple, fresh ingredients. Great, dynamic atmosphere with genuinely friendly service. Reservations accepted but not usually necessary. 105 - 230 Cook Street. 590-8595

Barb's Fish and Chips Right on the docks at Fisherman's Wharf. Great food and a neat location. Go down and wander around the fishing boats and houseboats. You can take a water taxi there from the Inner Harbour - a great trip and fun to be out on the water!

Irish Times Pub Found on Government Street in the heart of downtown, at the entrance to Bastion Square.

Spinnaker's Brewpub A waterview of downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour gives this a special atmosphere. Very good food, from burgers to pizza, from tapas to fresh, local seafood. 308 Catherine Street, 386-2739

Sooke Harbour House is located in Sooke, a coastal town 45 minutes from here. The food and atmosphere are famous around the world. Their wine list is reported to be one of the most extensive in Canada. This is likely the most expensive of the four, but also the most interesting. The drive is definitely worth it. 642 3421

Empress Hotel A variety of restaurants here, from the formal and elegant to the famous afternoon tea. The Bengal Lounge is one of our favourite places to go for a casual but elegant respite from a harried day touring town or for their famous curry buffet. Located on the Inner Harbour 384 8111

Hotel Grand Pacific is located adjacent to the Empress Hotel and beside the BC Legislative Buildings. A Canada Select 5 Star property with the most romantic and intimate dining in Victoria. The Mark has seating for 28 only, making it cozy and intimate with its luxuriously elegant surroundings. Pacific Restaurant also has a great menu. Fabulous service, well-presented and perfectly prepared food.

Cedar Hill Golf Course is an 18 hole public course with distant city and ocean views just 15 minutes from Dashwood. 5100 yards on 18 holes, this par 67 course offers rentals, snack bar and lounge. 250-595-3103 Club House 250-595-2823.

Uplands Golf Club is a vibrant and established club with a rich heritage and an incredible future. Our diverse membership shares a strong foundation of social values and commitment to the community in which we live. When you join our club, you join our family. Welcome.

Over 100 years of golfing tradition.

Gorge Vale Golf Club is one of Victoria’s premier golf facilities. Designed by A. Vernon Macan in 1927, this championship golf course offers our members and guests a traditional, picturesque golf course with premium playing conditions. The undulating terrain and challenging layout ensures every hole is different, providing a real test for golfers of all skill levels.

Cordova Bay Golf Club is one of our many scenic and challenging courses – this one with a seaside view! 18 hole championship golf at its finest! Located on Cordova Bay Road at Mattick’s Farm, a 20 minute drive from Dashwood. Call 250-658-4444

The Ridge Course is located across the street from Cordova Bay Golf Club. This is a 9-hole, par 3 course offers spectacular views of the ocean, San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker, a breathtaking backdrop for your golfing experience. Opened in 1999, the Ridge Course has similar features and matches the quality of the 18-hole championship course, both of which were designed by well known golf course architect Bill Robinson. Call 250-658-3996

Royal Oak Golf Club A par 33 executive 9 hole golf course with 2,265 yards of play. Located near downtown with rentals and licensed facilities. 540 Marsett Place, Victoria, 9 hole, 250-658-4220

Prospect Lake Golf Course is 20 minutes drive from our door. It's a woodsy, rural course with gently rolling hills and a friendly country atmosphere. 4633 Prospect lake Rd. 9 Hole, Par 32. 250-479-2688

Ardmore Golf Course, Victoria, 9 hole, a short drive from Victoria,930 Admore Rd., 250-656-4621

Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club, located in North Saanich. A championship course with 18 holes, 35 sand traps and five water hazards, this course offers more than 6,000 yards of challenging golf in an idyllic setting. Complete clubhouse facilities and rentals are available in addition to tennis courts and a curling rink. - 1050 McTavish, Sidney 250-656-3921

Olympic View Golf Club, One of Canada's most challenging and beautiful courses. 18 hole, 6,414-yard public course plays around two waterfalls and 12 lakes. 250-474-3673 Pro Shop 250-474-3671

Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club is a very recent addition to the golfing scene in Victoria. Work on the 36-hole, mountain course will continue over the next couple of years, but the first 18 holes are now open. This par 72, Jack Nicklaus designed course is located on a stunning site, with spectacular ocean and mountain views. Call 250-744-2327

Royal Colwood Golf Course is well-established, scenic and moderately challenging. 629 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, 18 Hole, Par 72, 250-478-8331

This day-long guided cycling adventure incorporates the best of cycling trail networks and quiet country roads that make Victoria the undisputed “Cycling Capital of Canada”.

SPORTS RENT has a large selection of bicycles for rent year round! Along with bike rentals, SPORTS RENT also has trail-a-bikes, child trailers, baby joggers and other bike accessories. Bike maps and directions for the Galloping Goose Trail and Lockside Trail are available. SPORTS RENT also rents surfboards, wetsuits, backpacks, tents, hiking and camping gear. Roof racks, trunk racks, roof top boxes plus kayak and canoe carriers from Thule and Yakima to make your trip easier.

Enjoy the majestic landscape of Canada’s beautiful mountains and rugged west coast with British Columbia’s premier motorcycle tour and rental company.

Sister and brother, Kim and Bob operate Coastal Cycles and have a passion for bikes and dealing with the public. When you walk into the shop you’ll feel welcome and comfortable. You won’t find any pressured sales people here. Just knowing and helpful staff. We’re there when you need help, out of the way when you don’t. A bike shop owner once referred to our shop as “ Base”. We’ll take that as a compliment. Here you’ll find all you need in parts and accessories, in recognized brand names and some brands you won’t find in other shops. With years of experience in the bicycle industry we have a good handle on what you want and need

The 1416 seat Royal Theatre opened in 1913. It has seen many of this century's great performers on its stage, including Sarah Bernhardt, Carlos Montoya, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Luciano Pavarotti, National Ballet of Canada, Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Tony Bennett.

From its beginnings as a scrap business in 1934, Capital Iron has maintained its unique charm. Over the past 75 years, the store has evolved into a true General Store for the modern consumer. If you need it, chances are we have it! We are proud to be a strong part of the Vancouver Island community.

Located at the foot of Victoria's Chinatown and a block from historic Fan Tan Alley, Chintz & Company is within easy walking distance of the Empress Hotel, the Provincial Legislature buildings, the Royal BC Museum and exceptional downtown shopping and dining. 20,000 square feet of eclectic shopping and inspiration!

Eagle Wing Tours is a locally owned and family operated marine adventure eco-tourism company in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on Vancouver Island. Based in our floating sales office and interpretive centre at the historic Fisherman's Wharf in the Inner Harbour, Eagle Wing offers a premium experience for travelers demanding more.

Paul Paquin, who has fished Vancouver Island salt waters for 41 years, is the skipper and guide of Well Done IV . Unlike commercial fishermen, “sporties” and guides are out there at all times of the year, and Paul is no exception. Because of Juan de Fuca’s potential for year-round fishing, he fulfills the skipper’s obligation to monitor weather and tides in order to ensure a pleasant, safe expedition in any season. From his rich fishing experience, Paul can recount many stories (some of which are true).

Goldstream Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is known for the annual fall salmon runs in the Goldstream River, and the large numbers of bald eagles that congregate to feed at that time.

Welcome to Valley Vines to Wines. Situated in beautiful Mill Bay, just 25 minutes north of Victoria on Vancouver Island, we are one of B.C’s premier on premise facilities. Our quality products and attention to detail allow you to create award winning wines, ciders, and coolers.

de Vine Vineyards enjoys the warm summers, cooling ocean breezes, and rich clay-loam soils of the Saanich Peninsula. Visit our vineyard, winery and tasting room to savour our wines and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast & mountains.

The community is named after William Chalmers Duncan[1] (born 1836 in Sarnia, Ontario). He arrived in Victoria in May 1862, then in August of that year he was one of the party of a hundred settlers which Governor Douglas took to Cowichan Bay. After going off on several gold rushes, Duncan settled close to the present city of Duncan. He married in 1876, and his son Kenneth became the first mayor of Duncan. A street bears his name today.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre, located in Duncan, chronicles the history of logging in British Columbia, Canada. Its mission is to be British Columbia's foremost interpreter and presenter of the forest community – past, present and future.

Chemainus Theatre Festival is renowned for producing exceptional entertainment. We feature classic and award winning comedies, musicals and dramas, as well as some of the finest guest artists from across North America. People come from all over to see professional theatre and holiday in the seaside artisan town famous for its outdoor murals and warm hospitality.

A neighbourhood pub on Yellow Point Road serving traditional English fare and drinks. Includes history, photos, menu and location map.

If you want to taste all Salt Spring has to offer, nothing compares to the mix of art and creativity you can enjoy on the island's famous Studio Tour. On our tour you can watch an artist paint, attend a wine tasting, try on some jewellery and still have time to pick up a one of a kind sculpture on your way home. With 30 studios to discover on the year-round self-guided tour, all that you require is a current studio tour map and a bit of spare time to enjoy the studios of your choice. Some of the studios offer a unique experience such as a workshop tour or a demonstration on creating a work of art. Our Studio Tour's diverse selection also includes baked goods, wine and cheese shops that will keep the foodies nibbling the day away. Artists may be present to answer questions about their work and help you understand the creative process and the Salt Spring way of life. Our colourful map outlines what each artist creates and the location of their studio.

Bubby Rose's Bakery was born in 2002 in a small, unassuming space in a unique Victoria neighbourhood - Fairfield. We built a strong business based on an "everything matters" approach to products and service. We have been honoured with awards for cinnamon rolls and sticky buns. Accolades in print and on radio have pointed to virtually all of our delectable options. As "hands-on" owners, we know many of our customers by name and try to accommodate their unique preferences and dietary demands. We love happy, satisfied customers...after all, they are our "guests" in our "home". Thirty employees try to keep up with our demands to provide excellent service. You'll find Bubby Rose's Bakery in and around our community.

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is the ideal place for children to explore visual culture and express their own creative vision! Register now to add art to your new years resolutions.

Craigdarroch Castle is an example of a “bonanza castle”, massive houses built for men who became wealthy because of the industrial transformation of North America. Three of Dunsmuir’s American business associates were railroad entrepreneurs who had built their own bonanza castles: Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker.

Since 1949, Kilshaw's Auctioneers has been offering Victorians a diverse variety of arts, antiques, collectables and fine home furnishings. A selection of quality lots are auctioned every Thursday at 6:00pm. Specialty auctions are held every 4 to 6 weeks. Included in these specialty sales are Antiques, Fine Art, 20th Century Modern, Toys & Collectables. Items are on view prior to the auction at our facilities at 1115 Fort. St.

Whether you are a serious collector searching for an elusive piece or a novice who collects for fun, we always have a diverse slection to choose from - from teacups to teddy bears!

Fort Rodd Hill NHS commemorates the national significance of the Victoria-Esquimalt coast artillery fortress in the defence of Victoria and the naval base at Esquimalt harbour, as part of the larger defence strategy of the British Empire and Canada, 1878 to 1956. Fisgard Lighthouse NHS commemorates the national significance of the first lighthouse on Canada's west coast. Fisgard has been an important symbol of sovereignty-British, Colonial and Canadian-since 1860. Along with Race Rocks lighthouse, Fisgard provides a guide for mariners to Royal Roads anchorage, Esquimalt harbour and its naval base, and points the way to Victoria harbour.

The 1-hour Guided Walking Estate Tour takes the experience outside to share the significant history of our site and the various evolutions through time from the First Nations, Dunsmuir family, Royal Roads Military College and now Royal Roads University. The tour takes guests on a journey through the various gardens to share the relevance of the prominent features and returns to beautiful Hatley Castle first floor. This enriched experience will provide our visitors with a broader understanding of the history of the estate.

Experience sea kayaking at its best. Paddle with us outside the harbour and along the coastline to see harbour seals and river otters, or sit back and enjoy a leisurely kayak while you explore the protected waters of the harbour and Selkirk waterway. Tour the city from a new perspective and have chance encounters with great blue herons, bald eagles and many species of migrating seabirds.

’Chosin Pottery is owned and operated by award-winning, internationally known ceramic artists Robin Hopper and Judi Dyelle. It is the exclusive destination for purchasing or ordering their work. Located on the Southern end of Vancouver Island, just 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Nestled on six acres in Metchosin, it houses two studios, a gallery and a showroom. The studios are set in the beautiful, much publicized, two and a half acre, Japanese-inspired garden. The Gallery and showroom are part of a renovated heritage house dating from the turn of the century. The grounds contain one of the finest stands of first-growth Douglas fir in the Victoria area. The huge fir trees are underplanted with many large rhododendrons, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, both indigenous and exotic. The Gallery, which overlooks the water garden, features a continually changing variety of work. They also feature exquisite sterling silver jewellery made by Judi’s daughter, Morgan.

Enjoy a camping getaway at our Island View Beach and Jordan River regional park RV and tent campgrounds. These ocean-front parks offer high quality camping experience in beautiful natural settings at reasonable rates.

This picturesque multi-use trail, formerly a railway line, moves through urban, rural and wilderness scenery on its 55 kilometre journey from Victoria to Sooke. You can cycle, stroll, run, or even ride a horse through the rural sections. Whether you're commuting to work, meandering on a weekend afternoon or pacing yourself from Sidney to Sooke, the trail is yours to enjoy and yours to protect.

Through the centuries, nature has shaped the people and the history of the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Presentation of this fascinating story, where the rainforest meets the sea, is the mission of the Sooke Region Museum.

The Sooke Fine Arts Show provides the opportunity for the finest artists from Vancouver Island and BC’s Coastal Islands to showcase and sell their work. Along with the more than 8,000 annual visitors who attend, the 11-day show draws hundreds of art patrons from British Columbia, western Canada, and the United States.

The abundance of life was what drew Dr. Josephine Tildon to choose Botanical Beach as the location for the University of Minnesota's marine station in 1900. For seven years students and researchers came from all over the world to study here. To get to the station, a steamship would come from Victoria to Port Renfrew. From there it was on foot on a very muddy and narrow trail to the station. A better road in to the station was promised,however it did not materialize and the difficult access was considered a reason for the station's closure in 1907. There are few remains of the station left today. Universities still use Botanical Beach for field trips,and research,under park use permits. The area became a Class A provincial park in 1989.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

The Maritime Museum of BC first opened its doors to the public in 1955 as a naval museum located on Signal Hill just outside the gates of the HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt. By 1965, the museum had outgrown the original location and found a new home in the former Supreme Court building in Bastion Square − the oldest surviving Courthouse in the province and still in operation today!

Water is the essence of Witty's Lagoon. Creek, waterfall, lagoon, beach and rocky shore draw you into an ecosystem rich with coastal plants and animals.

Today, the park is managed by the Capital Regional District. Because it is protected area, it does not serve as a residential area. It is home to many species of wildlife. Plant species include: Breadroot (which is a rare species and is also known as Slender Woolyheads), licorice ferns, yellow pond lilies, cattail reeds, cottonwood, pacific crabapple, red alder, douglas fir, and western red cedar. Some common animal species are: Mergansers, Canada geese, buffleheads, bald eagles, osprey, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, river otters, red-winged blackbirds (which is British Columbia's provincial bird), savannah sparrows, Columbia black-tailed deer, red-legged frogs, yellow warblers, chestnut-backed chickadees, screech owl,

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, located on Observatory Hill, in Saanich, British Columbia, was completed in 1918 by the Canadian government. The Dominion Architect responsible for the building was Edgar Lewis Horwood

Are you looking for an exciting spot and stalk, fair chase, big game hunting adventure? Welcome to Vancouver Island Guide Outfitters, a world class hunting destination renowned for the quality of its game and professional guide outfitting services. We believe your hunt should include abundant game, spectacular scenery, great guides, and quality accommodation and meals. That's our reputation and that's why our repeat customers keep coming back. Join us on one of our exciting lodge-based spot-and-stalk big game hunts for coastal Black Bear, Roosevelt Elk, and Blacktail Deer!

Explore a series of small islands, coves and beaches rich in marine life, located in the Sooke Basin along Vancouver Island’s West Coast! Rush Adventures offers kayaking lessons for the beginner or intermediate paddler. Surf courses and rentals available as well. Rush also has guided one day tours or multi-day camp and kayak adventures.

Blackfish is an accredited CYA sailing school offering sail training courses, tours, and crewed sailing charters from our base in Victoria, BC. Canada. Our focus is southern Vancouver Island, the Gulf and San Juan Islands. At least once a year we organize a novel sailing charter around Vancouver Island or in the Caribbean.

The Mission of Victoria Carriage Tours is to provide an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage experience for our customers. This will be accomplished by providing our customers with a high degree of quality in our carriages, uniforms, decorations, and other amenities and extras. Key to our success will be our professional, courteous, and informative drivers and tour guides.